The Fantastic Four: First Steps introduces Marvel's first family to the Marvel Cinematic Universe on the retro-futuristic world of Earth-828 where they are the only super-powered heroes. Vanessa Kirby stars as 'Sue Storm' aka the 'Invisible Woman', Pedro Pascal is 'Reed Richards' aka 'Mister Fantastic', Joseph Quinn is 'Johnny Storm' aka the 'Human Torch' and Ebon Moss-Bachrach is 'Ben Grimm' aka 'The Thing'. Taking place four years after the plucky scientists and astronauts gained their super-powers on a space flight via cosmic rays, the Fantastic Four face a threat from the stars as a female 'Silver Surfer', 'Shalla-Bal' (Julia Garner), heralds the imminent arrival of the planet-devourer, 'Galactus'.
Sue Storm, Reed Richards, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm
Flashback Tech Suits from The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Alexandra Byrne is Costume Designer on director Matt Shakman's Fantastic Four MCU debut and these costumes were photographed temporarily on display at Hollywood's iconic El Capitan Theatre on August 1, 2025.
In the movie the team wear these 'Tech Suit' costumes briefly in flashback scenes where the FF face the 'Mole Man' and his giant monster, 'Giganto'. Unfortunately the team's current blue and white costumes were on display at this year's San Diego Comic-Con convention, but I'm glad I still got to see these retro blue and black suits.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie billboard
Kasra Farahani is the Production Designer responsible for the retro-futuristic aesthetic of the film, inspired by Fantastic Four co-creator Jack Kirby's artistic work and Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Screen-used movie props from
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
These set pieces and props, including a cockpit chair from the FF's Excelsior rocket ship and fun bubble car vehicle from the film, give you a glimpse of the movie's visual style.
If you like these retro costumes and props, you may also enjoy these 2001: A Space Odyssey movie costumes and props on display.
Photo opportunity for The Fantastic Four: First Steps
at the El Capitan Theatre
Personally I love the film, it may seem slower in pace than other comic book fare like Superman also at the box office this summer, but the world-building, costuming, production design, casting, characterization and storyline are top notch.
"It's clobberin' time".
The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie exhibit
at Hollywood's El Capitan Theatre
